If you think your horse has a case of colic, CALL THE VET! While you are waiting for the vet to arrive, review some of this information.

Herbs are referred to using common name but scientific name appears following in italics for clarification in identifying herbs used.

As with all therapies, herbs or applications, always use caution and common sense and ask the advice of a qualified practitioner or veterinarian before embarking on any course of action for yourself or your animals. The following is a compilation of traditionally used therapies for colic in horses, it is not meant to be a diagnosis or prescription for your situation or animal.

Essential Oils Recommended for Colic:Some of these are recommended as topical applications, diluted in carrier oils and some as inhalants. Some horses may react to essential oils (or any foreign substance) and some may not appreciate the scent. Offering an essential oil to the horse to sniff before applying it can tell you if the horse enjoys that scent, will react badly or does not care for that particular odor (Bird, 2002, p. 129). Always dilute essential oils before applying to skin or any internal application. 1 drop of essential oil to every mL of carrier oil (Bird, 2002, p. 112).

Homeopathic Remedies for Colic (Please review materia medica for homeopathic remedies before deciding on a particular remedy. All symptoms, personality and physical clues must be considered in each individual case and may differ from one animal to another or one episode to another. The following list is by no means complete and indications are not given in entirety. Use caution with remedies, or do not use them at all):